How long does it take to slaughter cattle?

For cattle farmers, it is very important to grasp the time of marketing the cattle. Due to differences in cattle breeds, feeding conditions, etc., the time of marketing the cattle will also vary. So how long does it take for cattle to be slaughtered? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. How long does it take to slaughter cattle?

Generally speaking, it takes about 12-18 months for beef cattle to be marketed. Some good beef cattle breeds, such as Limousin, Charolais or their hybrids, can be marketed in a shorter time, about 8 to 10 months.

Foreign fine-breed beef calves , such as Simmental and Limousin , grow an average of more than 3 kilograms a day. It takes about 12 months for a purchased beef calf of about 300 kilograms to grow to 1,500 kilograms for market release.

Domestic high-quality beef calves grow an average of 1-2 kilograms a day. If you buy a beef calf weighing about 300 kilograms, it will take about 10-15 months for it to grow to 800 kilograms for market release. On average, small domestic cattle grow about 0.5-1 catties a day. If you buy a 150-catties beef calf, it will take about 12-18 months for it to grow to 500 catties for market.

2. How to quickly market cattle?

1. Choose good varieties

Choose beef cattle breeds with fast growth rate, high feed conversion rate and good meat quality, such as Simmental cattle, Charolais cattle, Limousin cattle, etc. With good feeding and management , these breeds can usually reach market standards in a shorter period of time.

2. Scientifically formulated feed

Choose high-quality feed that is nutritious and easily digestible, such as soybean meal , corn, etc., to ensure the quality of the feed. Reasonably combine roughage and concentrated feed to ensure comprehensive and balanced nutrition. At different growth stages of beef cattle, the feed formula should be adjusted in time to meet their nutritional needs. Reasonable use of feed additives , such as growth promoters, digestive enzymes, etc., can increase the feed intake and absorption rate of beef cattle, reduce feed waste, and reduce breeding costs.

3. Strengthen feeding management

Arrange the breeding density reasonably to avoid poor ventilation and disease transmission caused by excessive density, and prevent waste of resources caused by low density. Keep the cowshed clean and hygienic and maintain a suitable ambient temperature, clean and disinfect the cowshed regularly to ensure a good growth environment for beef cattle. Strengthen ventilation and keep the air in the cowshed fresh. Appropriately arrange outdoor exercise for beef cattle to enhance their physical fitness and appetite.

4. Regular deworming and epidemic prevention

Regularly deworm beef cattle to prevent the occurrence of parasitic diseases and improve their appetite and digestion and absorption capacity. Establish an effective disease prevention and control system, including regular vaccinations, deworming and veterinary checks. Detect and treat diseases promptly to reduce the spread of diseases.

The above is an introduction to how long it takes to market cattle. Generally speaking, the older the cattle are, the slower their weight gain rate, and the fattening effect will slowly decline when it reaches its peak. Domestic fattening cattle are usually slaughtered within 2 years of age, generally around 1.5 years of age. Due to different breeds, the best fattening time and the most suitable time to slaughter are also different.